A NOVICE Swindon runner is in line to get the elite athlete treatment at next year's Paris marathon - but he needs your help.

David Reeve has made the final shortlist in the Asics Target 26.2 competition, in which five runners of varying ability will be handed their own personal team of coaches, a physio and nutrition and sports psychology experts, to assist them at the annual French showpiece in April 2014.

The 29-year-old has only started running regularly in the past year and has yet to compete in a full marathon, but has made the final four in the competition's sub 4.30 category and now needs public votes to seal his place in Paris, where he hopes to run in aid of a cause close to his heart.

He said: "I am looking to be successful after joining the Slinn Allstars, a local Swindon running group, about a year ago.

"They have been extremely supportive in helping me get into running.

"I have progreesed to compete in a couple of half marathons including the Swindon Half in October.

"If I am successful in my bid I will also look to raise money for Asthma UK as my dad is a sufferer.

"The campaign is about engaging people in my training experiences so I would be happy to keep people in the loop regarding how I get on, and I would love to represent Swindon."

To vote for David visit http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/target262/sub-430-finalists.aspx